Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Dendrologist Dan's spring stunners: Rhododendron quinquefolium

Posted: April 29, 2014 at 13:15 pm Author: Dan Crowley

There is far too much excitement amongst the plants to attempt to mention it all here, so I shall stick to just the one today.

Though suffice to say, this one is a cracker!! A reliable performer, Rhododendron quinquefolium is a quite beautiful azalea, and an old plant is looking fantastic in full flower just now on Circular Drive, at the end of Sir Georges Walk.

The flowers emerge after the leaves, which are usually in whorls of 5 (hence the specific epithet) and with a beautiful reddish border, they are a real feature in themselves. A young plant in Sand Earth sporting only a few flowers provide an opportunity for visitors to Silk Wood to admire more of the foliar display.

Silk WoodRhododendron

RhododendronRhododendron

As for everything else, well, you'll just have to come and get amongst it!!